If there were ever a trivia question asking about my favorite music time period, the answer would be the nineties R&B. During the 1990s, a high volume of R&B music was hitting shelves, making it challenging to stay up-to-date. On this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I’d like to pay tribute to a group that may have slipped your mind – II D Extreme and their slow jam, If I Knew Then (What I Know Now”).”
In 1993, the trio consisting of D’Extra Wiley, Randy Gill (Johnny Gill’s brother), and Jermaine Mickey debuted with the single “Cry No More.” Their self-titled debut album was successful with hits such as “Up on the Roof” and “Let Me Love You.” For the next two years, they toured extensively to promote their album. In 1996, they returned with their second album, From I Extreme II Another, led by the single “If I Knew Then (What I Know Now).”
Written by group member D’Extra Wiley, the track explores the regret and longing of a man who realizes the mistake he made in a past relationship. The lyrics discuss the emotional distress and sorrow experienced when someone loses a loved one and the recognition that their pride and inability to communicate effectively contributed to the end of the relationship.
Each member of the group takes a turn singing the lead vocals, expressing their deep regret for not being able to let go of their pride and walking away from their partner. They confess that their ego blinded them, and they ignored the actual call of love, failing to comprehend the weight of their choice fully. They have realized they lost their true love and felt overwhelming remorse for their actions.
The lyrics also touch on the difficulty of admitting fault and apologizing. The narrator acknowledges that saying “I’m sorry” is challenging for them, but they are willing to put their pride aside to rectify their mistakes and rebuild the love they lost. They yearn for a second chance, ready to start anew and let go of the past.
This song emphasizes the importance of cherishing what we have before it’s too late. Sometimes we unknowingly take our loved ones for granted, only realizing their worth when they’re gone. A great R&B ballad explores themes of regret, introspection, and the longing for another chance. It underscores the significance of effective communication, humility, and appreciating love while we have it. Kudos to II Da Extreme for delivering this message.
Final Grade: B+
“If I Knew Then (What I Know Now)” from the album From I Extreme II Another is available on all streaming platforms.
Growing up in the nineties, movies aimed at a melanin audience often featured soundtracks that had to be just as flavorful as the films themselves. This week, for Slow Jam Saturday, I want to take a trip back to 1993 and highlight one of the slow jams from the soundtrack of “Menace II Society”.
Last week marked two significant anniversaries for one of the greatest artists of all time, Mr. Prince Rogers Nelson. It’s only fitting that I show him some love for Second Listen Sunday. The first anniversary was on the 21st, commemorating nine years since his passing. The second anniversary was on the 22nd, celebrating the 40th anniversary of his seventh studio album, “Around the World in a Day.”
One of my most significant decisions late last year was to pledge to Iota Phi Theta Fraternity, Inc. At the time of this writing, I am in Atlantic City for my fraternity’s Regional Conference, where I will represent my chapter, Beta Alpha Omega. In that regard, I believe the perfect song for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday is “The Best Man I Can Be.”